Feature
Mitigating Challenging Patient Situations
By Michelle J. Hall, CPO, MS, FAAOP, and Ellen B. Snoxell, PhD, ABPP
Do you ever feel your heart sink when you look at your schedulefor the day and see the name of a particular patient that you'drather avoid? Do you ever get behind because a patient hasbrought in far too many concerns-many of which you cannotaddres...
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Feature
Building a Better Hand With the HAPTIX Project
By Maria St. Louis-Sanchez
Modern upper-limbprostheses have gottenso mechanicallyadvanced that userscan peel the skin offa grape or fold origamicranes. Whathas remained elusive,though, is the sensation of touch thatable-bodied people take for granted.Without sensation, even...
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Feature
The Unmentionables of Health: When Life Gets in the Way of Healthy Living
By Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
During the 2011 meetingof Health 2.0, an annualconference showcasingways in which new technologiesare transforminghealth and healthcare,Alexandra Drane, cofounderof Eliza Corporation, Danvers,Massachusetts, summarized hercompany's findings about "...
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Feature
New York’s One-Limb-per-Lifetime Restriction Attacked With Collaborative Effort
By Peter W. Thomas, JD
It's not often that a focused, intensiveeffort to change a bad publicpolicy results in progress inas quickly as three months, butthat is exactly what happened inNew York State. In short, New York'snotorious restriction-the so-calledone-limb-per-li...
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Special Consumer Feature
The Myth of a Loveless Future
By Rick Bowers
Would you think such a guy doesn't stand a chance on a mainstream matchmaking website? Think again. Jim Haag, for example, ismissing parts of both hisarms and part of his leftfoot as a result of an electricalaccident in 1972.
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Feature
Five-Year Case Study of an Infant With Scoliosis Using Schroth Therapy and Chêneau-Type Bracing
By Grant Wood, MSc, CO
Aim This case study presents a description and timeline of applying Schroththerapy and Chêneau-type bracing using Rigo principles (a Rigo-Chêneaubrace) for the conservative treatment of a boy with scoliosis from ages 3 to 8years. Conservative Trea...
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Stepping Out
Aspects of Gait: Part I
By Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. -Lao Tzu One approach to understanding foot pathology is to appreciate thesymphony that plays with each step in human locomotion. Theact of walking is a wonderful choreography that is d...
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Sports
eXG Marks Ten Years of Motocross; Series Expands
Adaptive motocross (MX) racing returned to Baja Acres, Millington, Michigan,on Saturday, May 23, as Extremity Games (eXG) marked its tenthyear of sponsoring the event. As with the past few years, three classes wereoffered: Para (or seated), and fo...
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Perspective
CPOh: How to Get More Out of Your Prosthetic Certification
By Peter Seaman, CP, CTP
As an American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC)-certified prosthetist (CP), you may have been told that you would be a more valuable practitioner if you had your orthotics certification too, in other words, if...
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On Topic
Time to Modify
By Erin Cammarata
When I say, "You're getting behind; you need to modify," most practitioners will think about all those patients that they've taken cast impressions for but haven't modified their molds yet. Lab work, right? This month's topic may make your lab wor...
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Letter to the Editor
Re: Quantum Leap: Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care, May 2015
The following letter is in response to "Quantum Leap: Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care" in the May 2015 issue of The O&P EDGE. I am writing about a recent article Miki Fairley authored for The O&P EDGE . It was spot on!
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Industry Review - Conferences
ACPOC 2015 Annual Meeting
The 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC) was held May 13-16 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach, Florida. The event provided collaborative discussions by a spectrum of healthcare team members through...
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Viewpoint
Focusing on Patient Issues Beyond O&P
By Andrea Spridgen
I believe every issue of The O&P EDGE is ultimately about patients; after all, they are at the heart of everything you do as O&P professionals. This month, though, we focus on aspects of patient needs that may fall outside the parameters of O&P...
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Online Exclusive
Potentially Far-Reaching Ramifications in LCD Draft Policy for Lower-Limb Prostheses
The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) have released a local coverage determination (LCD) draft policy for lower-limb prostheses; LCDs are the basis for decisions made by a Medicare contractor's medical review staff in the absence of statute, regulations, or national coverage policy. This particular draft LCD/Policy Article "contains significant revisions from existing Lower Limb Prosthesis medic
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Say goodbye to buckets and welcome in the next
generation in prosthetic-limb connectivity-the
patented and patents-pending HiFi™ Interface
and Imager System. Unlike traditional sockets
that focus on fitting the periphery of the limb, the
HiFi Interface System allows you to capture and
control your patient's underlying bone. Upper- and
lower-limb wearers report a significant increase
in control, function, performance, and comfort.
Patients state the HiFi feels connected to them.
Be part of the HiFi Revolution. Register for our
AOPA workshop and licensing/training event in
San Antonio, October 7, at .
biodesigns
800.775.2870
www.JoinHiFi.com
In 2001, Boa launched our premium closure system on snowboard boot brands K2 and Vans. Since then, our portfolio of brands and products has grown to include sporting goods, pro-cycling shoes, golf shoes, utility boots, medical bracing and more. Over 200 brands around the globe partner with Boa for the fit, comfort, and ease of use our technology provides.
Brands such as Exos Medical, Ossur, Futuro, Ace, DeRoyal, Dr. Comfort, and Revolimb have incorporated Boa into medical bracing, diabetic shoes, and prosthetic products. The proven fit, convenience and single-handed micro adjustment of Boa Technology consistently deliver outstanding benefits to both patients and providers.
Boa Technology Inc.
303.455.5126
www.boatechnology.com
Specifically designed for people with Chopart amputations, as well as Lisfranc, Pirogoff, Boyd, or partial foot amputations, the RUSH76™ has a dynamic design that gives users the ability to be active and do more of what they want to do without limitations. The unique glass composite outperforms carbon fiber and is engineered to be more flexible and durable than any other Chopart device available today.
Contact us to learn more about the RUSH76, RUSH81™, or RUSH87™. The RUSH™ feet are proudly handcrafted in the United States.
Ability Dynamics
855.450.7300
www.rushfoot.com
The key element of the new 3R106 Pro is the
servo-pneumatic control unit. Its powerful
dual-chamber pneumatic unit with progressive
damping has a flexion valve set for the patient's
normal walking speed. At faster walking speeds,
the flexion resistance increases, which prevents
too much knee flexion. This helps provide more
consistent swing phase even during fast walking.
With three options for the proximal connection
(pyramid, threaded connector, and lamination
anchor) and a 275 lb. weight limit, the 3R106 Pro
offers you great fitting options. Call your local
sales representative for more information.
Ottobock
800.328.4058
www.professionals.ottobockus.com
Why make the transition to BOC? Award-winning customer service,
nationally recognized credentials, and a user-friendly website are
just a few of the benefits of choosing BOC. With BOC as your
credentialing partner, you get accreditation for your O&P facility at
a discounted rate and individual certification, all under one roof.
Plus, it's easy and free! Make the transition to BOC for accreditation
or certification for no up-front cost.
Contact us today at .
We're with you every step of the way!
Board of Certification/Accreditation
877.776.2200
www.bocusa.org
The Guardian Suction Liner from
ALPS features raised GripGel bands
that grip the socket wall to form a
secure interface between the socket and
liner to prevent slippage or premature
release. These low-modulus GripGel
bands stretch against the socket wall,
while the inner wall conforms easily to
the residual limb to ensure there is no
restriction of blood flow or stiffening to
inhibit donning. No seams and a single-piece
construction improve durability. Available in both transfemoral
and transtibial models, the Guardian Suction Liner can be fully
inverted for ease of donning.
ALPS
800.574.5426
www.easyliner.com
The medi Tele-ROM™ is a postoperative range-of-motion knee brace that provides the ultimate in adjustability, comfort, and ease of use.
Features and benefits include:
- Telescoping struts with easy, push-button adjustment
- Length adjustability for a customized fit
- Simple rotate and release flexion and extension limitation
- Drop-lock button quickly locks at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°
- Quick-release buckles for easy application
- Choice of cool and full foam versions in standard length
- PDAC-approved for L-1832 or L-1833
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The PDQ Ovens are celebrating their
20th birthday with a fresh, new look.
Combining a light-gray powder
coating with dark-gray accents and
trim, this new exterior provides a
more durable, scratch-resistant finish.
Proudly manufactured in the United
States at our Fillauer North Carolina
facility (formerly OTS Corp.), other
key features of the ovens include
an aluminum and stainless steel
construction, a double-pane viewing window, and a programmable,
digital temperature controller. Join the celebration, and order your
PDQ Oven today! (Cupcake not included.)
Fillauer North Carolina
800.221.4769
www.fillauer.com
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies introduces
a new adjustable motion control option for the
Tamarack Flexure Joint® product line.
Features and benefits include:
- Provides 30° of precision adjustability
- Unique side-mount design doesn't alter shoe fit and prevents premature shoe wear
- Ideal for polypropylene and carbon fiber AFOs and KAFOs
- Available in medium and large sizes
- Includes one set of molding dummies
- Works with free motion and dorsiflexion assist model Tamarack Flexure Joints (740/742 series)
- Joints sold separately
Becker Orthopedic
800.521.2192
www.beckerorthopedic.com
The Freedom Agilix™ is a multiaxial, shock-absorbing, flexible foot system designed to manage loading impacts, reduce socket shear forces, and improve comfort while walking on nearly any terrain. The ultra-lightweight design offers low-impact K3 ambulators shockingly comfortable performance at a value like no other. Learn more about the Agilix on our website.
Freedom Innovations
888.818.6777
www.freedom-innovations.com
This unique AFO has been designed for people with Chopart amputations who wish to remain active. A traditional, full-length AFO will often be stiff and feel unnatural to such a patient. Using a hinged ankle and flexible foot plate with a segmented dynamic filler allows flexion before providing a "stop" that protects the residuum and prevents shoe vamp collapse. The PTB design and the anterior shell redistribute ground reaction forces up the lower limb. For more information, visit our website or call the lab toll-free.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
#43 Vega Aligner
This brace is designed to stabilize the
motion of the knee joint, keeping it aligned
during flexion and extension movements.
Constructed entirely from breathable
materials, the next-to-skin layer is made
from antibacterial and antiallergy fabric.
Its complex structure, equipped with patella
stabilizer, offers comfortable containment
of the patellar compartment, which is useful
in cases of associated conditions (medial
or lateral ligament, anterior or posterior
cruciate ligament, and patellar instability).
Learn more and check out our other products and product lines
on our website.
M-Brace
866.374.4050
www.m-brace.com
The Infinite Socket™ is the first modular and adjustable socket that
empowers clinicians and users. Built-in tensioning systems, custom
modular components, and advanced materials allow adjustability at
the socket as the residual limb changes.
LIM Innovations
844.888.8546
www.liminnovations.com
Evolution C-Fab is now Össur!
Evolution Industries C-Fab is now Össur Custom Fabrication.
But while our name has changed, our quality and flexibility remains.
Evolution Industries Inc.
888.839.6213
www.evoii.com
Our accommodative foot orthotics are specially designed for patients with foot deformities. We offer a variety of materials for foot conditions such as neuropathy, Charcot foot, edema, or amputation; or conditions resulting from health issues like obesity, diabetes, sports injuries, or heart conditions. Custom-made foot orthotics provide support and relief wherever necessary. Apis provides you with a free 3D camera to eliminate impressions or casting-now it's just a push of a button. Fulfill all of your pedorthic needs under one roof. Call our friendly customer service representatives for more information or free samples.
Apis Footwear Co.
888.937.2747
www.bignwideshoes.com
The Horizon foot brings College Park's composite expertise to a carbon fiber foot design. The Horizon is constructed with aircraft-grade titanium components that allow for additional durability and a high weight limit. Even with an ultralow profile and ultra-lightweight design, the dynamics of the foot provide superior energy return for high-impact K3 users. The rollover Enviroshell™ design, combined with the specially engineered carbon composites, provide the perfect blend of comfort and ability for all activities. See the Horizon in action at www.youtube.com/collegeparkind.
College Park Industries
800.728.7950
www.college-park.com
The Most Complete Line from One Manufacturer
Offered in PETG, PP Homopolymer and Copolymer, High- and Low-Density PE and EVA in Flex and
Superflex grades, SIMOLIFE® Sheet enables you to meet diverse requirements without compromise.
It is available in transparent, natural, flesh, black and white colors and a broad range of gauges, in sizes from 16 in. (406 mm) square to 48 x 96 in. (1219 x 2438 mm). All grades are FDA compliant and feature low, consistent shrinkage.
Call for Free Samples to Test Form
SIMONA AMERICA INC.
866.501.2992
www.simona-america.com
This dynamic corrective system joint ensures fast, efficient, and effective treatment of contractures resulting from neurological conditions. It is simple and uncomplicated with just two joint sizes to accommodate any extremity joint, and no complicated order forms to complete.
You determine and control the three simple adjustments:
- Flexion/extension. Just flip the joint housing internal spring based on the anatomical location.
- Range of motion. Limit at 12 degree increments (small) or 14 degree increments (regular).
- Force control. Up to 3.4 Nm/30 in.-lb. (small) or 10.2 Nm/90 in.-lb. (regular).
Allard USA
888.678.6548
www.allardusa.com
ESP created the Flexi family of suspension sleeves as a comfortable, durable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional suspension sleeves. Preflexed at 43° for maximum comfort and natural unrestricted movement. 30% off list price for a limited time!
ESP LLC
888.932.7377
www.wearesp.com
Hersco's Lower Extremity Ankle Protection (LEAP) brace is designed to aid stability and proprioception for patients at risk for trips and falls. The LEAP is a short, semi-rigid AFO that is functionally balanced to support the foot and ankle complex. It is fully lined with a lightweight and cushioning Velcloth interface. Easily secured and removed with two Velcro® straps and a padded tongue. For more information, visit our website or call the lab toll-free.
Hersco Ortho Labs
800.301.8275
www.hersco.com
The new medi 4Seal TFS Liner combines a revolutionary sealing technology with a unique self-gliding surface, providing extraordinary suspension, comfort, and ease of use for those with transfemoral amputations.
Features and benefits include:
- Integrated seals for easy inversion and a highly secure fit.
- Easy Glide PLUS outer surface-no donning aids or sprays required.
- Excellent tissue control due to a highly effective, full-length matrix.
- Optimal radial stretch for greater comfort.
- Simple to use gel-grip spacer socks for easy application (available separately).
medi USA
800.633.6334
www.mediusa.com
The élan biomimetic foot and ankle system with microprocessor-controlled plantarflexion and dorsiflexion resistance is now more user-friendly. New Micro-D port makes for easier charging and Bluetooth connection.
Features and benefits include:
- Microprocessor-controlled terrain response
- Sensors initiate change instantly
- Batteries contained within the ankle
- Variable response to changes in speed, inclines, and declines
- Bluetooth-enabled programming; new Micro-D dongle is easier to attach and features visual connection indicators
- User-friendly charger port for users with dexterity or visual challenges
Endolite
800.548.3534
www.endolite.com
Apply today!
From your home, complete the first two quarters (6 months) and final quarter (3 months) of the NUPOC 21-month MPO. Spend four quarters (12 months) in mentored practicum at NUPOC, building P&O skills by working with people who have neuromusculoskeletal impairments. NUPOC graduates are eligible for NCOPE residencies and P&O certification examinations. The NUPOC MPO prepares you to become a proficient clinician, deliver comprehensive P&O services, integrate research into clinical practice, and contribute to the P&O profession. NUPOC accepts candidates on a rolling admissions basis.
Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center
Feinberg School of Medicine
NUPOC
312.503.5700
www.nupoc.northwestern.edu
The highly anticipated small bebionic hand is now available through SteeperUSA. The new small bebionic hand has an expanded range of features, delivering precise control in a highly efficient design.
- Overall size reduction of 30% without compromising function
- Three wrist options: new Flex Wrist, EQD (quick disconnect), and Short Wrist (wrist disarticulation)
- Two finishes: new pearlescent white Kevlar or bebionic black carbon
- Over 100% increase in finger pad surface area enhances grip
- Anatomically pleasing wrist and thumb transitions enhance natural appearance
- Provides all 13 grips currently available on bebionic3 medium/large hands
Steeper USA
210.481.4126
www.steeperusa.com
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